Selig believes Cubs-Red Sox dispute will come to him

Clubs have till Nov. 1 to resolve compensation for Epstein on their own

October 28, 2011|By Phil Rogers, Chicago Tribune reporter

ST. LOUIS — The Cubs and Red Sox have until Tuesday to agree on Theo Epstein compensation, but Commissioner Bud Selig doubts the sides can close the deal.

Selig said Friday night that he may have to decide which minor league players go from the Cubs to the Red Sox.

"They have until Nov. 1 … before this comes to me,'' Selig said. "If I had to guess it'll be another thing that I have to deal with on Nov. 1.''

It is expected the Cubs will sent the Red Sox one or two minor league prospects, possibly one who is considered close to the major leagues and another from the lower minors.

Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts and Red Sox owner John Henry spent a week exchanging names before Major League Baseball announced Oct. 21 Epstein would go to the Cubs with compensation to be determined later. New Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington has said he and Epstein would lead the process after their hirings were announced Tuesday but that doesn't appear to have settled the impasse.

Selig expressed little frustration with the clubs.

"Obviously I talked to both parties a lot, all parties involved,'' Selig said. "And you know, I am sensitive during the playoffs and World Series that nothing should take away from it. Fortunately nothing has, despite the fact there has been a lot of conversation. I thought in the end it was OK. We've moved on. … I'm quite satisfied.''